'feature-based' originates from the combination of 'feature' and 'based', where 'feature' meant 'distinctive attribute' and 'based' meant 'founded on'.

'feature' evolved from the Old French word 'faiture', and 'based' from the Old French 'basse', eventually forming the modern English term 'feature-based'.

Initially, it meant 'founded on distinctive attributes', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.